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BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to assess anatomical and procedural predictors of clinical and procedural failure of rotational atherectomy (RA) in an all-comers population.Methods and Results:A total of 534 consecutive patients who underwent RA were included in a double-center observational study. The primary composite endpoint consisted of: rota-wire introduction failure, burr-passage failure, periprocedural complications and procedure-related major adverse events. The second primary endpoint included rota-wire introduction failure and burr-passage failure. The primary endpoint occurred in 76 (14.2%) patients and the second primary endpoint occurred in 64 (12%) Periprocedural complications occurred in 23 (4.3%) and procedure-related adverse events in 23 (4.3%) patients. Multivariable analysis revealed angulation on lesion ≤90° (HR=2.18, 95% CI: 1.21-3.94, P=0.0096) and sequential lesion (HR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.01-3.54, P=0.046) as independent predictors of no clinical success of RA. Multivariable analysis revealed again that angulation on lesion ≤90° (HR=2.26, 95% CI: 1.16-4.40, P=0.02) and sequential lesion (HR=3.77, 95% CI: 1.64-8.69, P

IntroductionThe SYNTAX Score (SS) evaluates the angiographic complexity of coronary artery disease to assess the cardiovascular risk after coronary revascularization. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether SS results are associated with in-hospital and 1-year outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) requiring rotational atherectomy (RA).Material and methodsWe analyzed data of 207 consecutive patients who underwent PCI with RA. Patients were divided into two groups: those with high SS (> 33 points) and those with low/intermediate SS (0–33 points).ResultsIn 21 (10%) patients SS was high and 186 (90%) patients had low/intermediate SS. Patients with high SS were older (76 vs. 71 years, p = 0.008) and more frequently diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (38% vs. 18%, p = 0.03) and heart failure (71% vs. 30%, p = 0.0001). In patients with high SS the RA procedure was longer (p = 0.004), required more contrast (p = 0.005) and higher radiation doses (p = 0.04), and contrast-induced nephropathy was more frequent (14% vs. 2%, p = 0.001).ConclusionsIn our RA patients there was no significant difference between the frequency of in-hospital and 1-year adverse cardiovascular events depending on the SS result. High SS correlates only with parameters describing the extensity and technical complexity of the procedure. However, the unavailability of other risk assessment tools in this population raises the need to create a new more specific risk score for patients requiring RA.

Rotablation is a percuteneous coronary procedure dedicated for treatment of highly calcified or fibrotic coronary lesions. This procedure allows plaque modification using a diamond coated burr rotating at high speed. The literature lacks information on the principles for selection of the tools for such a process which would ensure the best efficiency (speed of removing the calcified or fibrotic plaques). The starting point for this is the knowledge of the wear mechanisms in the case of such tools. The present study examines 7 burrs after different operation times. The following mechanisms were considered: pulling out, spalling, abrasion and diamond grains sticking. Based on the performed investigations, it was established that the basic wear mechanism is progressive sticking of the atherosclerotic plaques onto the burrs. In the first place, the burr's front becomes stuck over, yet this should still not have an effect on the speed of the atherosclerotic plaque removal also scarce sticking on the side surface of the burr is observed. During further operation, successive plagues are stuck onto the ones stuck earlier, causing a reduction of the speed of their removal and the necessity of the use of a new burr in order to continue the rotablation.

Background Rotational atherectomy (RA) is an acknowledged method of percutaneous treatment of highly calcified or fibrotic coronary lesions. However, using the rotablator system in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) remains controversial and is considered as a relative contraindication. The aim of our study was to assess in-hospital and 1-year outcomes in patients undergoing RA presenting with ACS, in comparison to elective RA procedures. Methods This single-center observational study included all consecutive patients who underwent RA and PCI in our institution from April 2008 to October 2015. All patients were subsequently divided into two groups based on clinical presentation: stable angina group (SA) and ACS group. Primary endpoints were in-hospital and 1-year all-cause mortality and 1-year major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Secondary endpoints were procedural success and in-hospital complications. Results The study included 207 patients, 164 (79%) in SA group and 43 (21%) in ACS group. In-hospital mortality was higher in patients with ACS (4.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.01). Procedural success was similar in both groups, 93% in ACS groups vs. 92.7% in SA group, p = 0.94. There were no significant differences in the rate of periprocedural complications (4.7% vs. 10.4%, p = 0.25), however postprocedural complications were more frequent in ACS group. At 1-year follow-up MACE rate and mortality were numerically higher, however statistically not significant (25.6% vs. 16.5%, p = 0.17 and 16.3% vs. 7.9%, p = 0.10; respectively). Conclusions Despite higher mortality and complication rate in ACS group observed in postprocedural period, we found no significant difference in 1-year outcomes in comparison to elective patients. Procedural success of RA in ACS patients is similar to elective patients with SA and this procedure should be considered in case of urgent indications, if no other options of treatment exist.

Introduction Most established risk factors after rotational atherectomy (RA) of heavily fibro-calcified lesions are associated with patients' general risk and clinical related factors and are not specific for either coronary and culprit lesion anatomy or the RA procedure. Aim To assess novel predictors of poor outcome after percutaneous coronary intervention using RA in an all-comers population. Material and methods A total of 207 consecutive patients after RA were included in a single-center observational study. Primary endpoints were 1-year mortality and 1-year major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Secondary endpoints were angiographic and procedural success and in-hospital complications. Results Procedural complications occurred in 19 (8%) patients. In-hospital mortality was 1%, peri-procedural myocardial infarction (MI) was 9%, and acute stroke occurred in one patient. The 1-year MACE rate was 20% with all-cause mortality 10%, MI 10% and stroke 1%. Multivariable analysis revealed heart failure with left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35% (p = 0.02) and uncrossable lesion, as compared to undilatable lesion (p = 0.01), as independent predictors of 1-year mortality and residual SYNTAX score ≤ 8 as an independent predictor of favorable outcome (p = 0.04). Heart failure with LVEF ≤ 35% (p < 0.01) and uncrossable lesion (p = 0.04) were independent predictors of 1-year MACE. Conclusions The presence of a novel factor, uncrossable lesion, as compared to undilatable lesion, is associated with poor outcome, and low residual SYNTAX score ≤ 8 is associated with favorable outcome in 1-year follow-up after the RA procedure and can help in risk stratification of patients undergoing complex coronary intervention with RA.

Introduction Transfemoral approach (TFA) may be preferred access site in order to facilitate complex percutaneous procedures such as rotational atherectomy (RA). Notwithstanding, there is a growing evidence that transradial approach (TRA) is associated with lower access site complication rates and even lower mortality. The aim was to assess in-hospital and 1-year outcomes in patients undergoing RA using TRA, in comparison to TFA. Methods A single center observational study included all consecutive patients, who underwent RA from 2010 to 2015. Primary endpoints were procedural success, in-hospital mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Secondary endpoints were 1-year all-cause mortality and MACE. Results The study included 177 patients, 69% in TRA group and 31% in TFA group. Except for male sex and logistic Euroscore II there were no differences in common risk factors. There was no difference in procedural success (95% vs 87%, P = 0.07) with even a trend in favor of TRA. Performing RA via TRA lower amount of contrast volume (P = 0.009) was used and hospital stay after the procedure was shorter (P = 0.004). Periprocedural complication rates were similar, however patients with TFA had significantly higher rate of major access site bleedings (13% vs 1%, P = 0.001), with no differences in mortality and other adverse events both in-hospital and during 1-year observation. Conclusions Even though RA is a demanding technique, when performed via TRA allows to maintain the same procedural success and long-term results in comparison to TFA, reduces in-hospital major access site bleedings, lowers the amount of contrast media and shortens hospital stay.

Background: Acute heart failure (AHF), occurring as a complication of ongoing acute myocardial infarction (AMI), is a common predictor of worse clinical outcome. Much less is known about the unique subpopulation of patients who present these two life-threatening conditions in the emergency department (ED). Aim: The aim of the study was to establish the prevalence of coexistence of AHF with AMI in the ED, to identify clinical factors associated with the higher prevalence of AHF at very early onset of AMI, and to assess the prognostic impact of the presence of AHF with AMI. Methods: A prospective study of 289 consecutive patients (mean age: 68 ± 11 years, 61% men) admitted to our institution (via the ED) with the diagnosis of AMI between May and October 2012 and followed-up for 2.5 years. Results: Acute heart failure was diagnosed in 13% of patients in the ED. In multivariable analysis, female sex, chronic obstruc­tive pulmonary disease, and chronic kidney disease significantly increased the risk of developing AHF together with AMI (all p < 0.05). Patients with AHF were hospitalised for longer (9.2 ± 6.1 vs. 6.3 ± 4.5 days, p < 0.001), had higher in-hospital cardiovascular mortality (8% vs. 0%, p < 0.001), and all-cause (34% vs. 15%, p = 0.004) and cardiovascular mortality (26% vs. 9%, p = 0.002) during long-term follow-up. Conclusions: Despite good logistic- and evidence-based treatment, AHF is present in one in eight patients with AMI at the time of admission to the ED. Particularly poor outcomes characterise critically ill patients; therefore, great effort should be undertaken to improve their care.

Background: Rotational atherectomy (RA) is indicated for fibrocalcified lesions when traditional percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) could not be successfully performed. In some of the high-risk patients the RA procedure is the last resort for successful revascularisation. Such patients are, among others, those in whom coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is not feasible. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess in-hospital and one-year outcomes of PCI with RA in high-risk patients without other revascularisation options (RA-only group), in comparison to lower-risk patients undergoing RA. Methods: We evaluated data of 207 consecutive patients who underwent PCI with RA. Primary endpoints were one-year all-cause mortality and one-year major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). Secondary endpoints were in-hospital outcomes. Results: During the study 35% of patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria to the high-risk group. Those patients had significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction, more often prior CABG, higher admission glucose level, and higher EuroSCORE II and Syntax Score. Procedural success was similar in both groups (85% in RA-only group vs. 91% in remaining patients, p = 0.18). In-hospital outcomes were similar, except more frequent no/slow-flow phenomenon in the RA-only group. The MACE and mortality rates in one-year follow-up were not statistically different in both groups (19% vs. 18%, p = 0.82 and 11% vs. 9%, p = 0.64, respectively). Conclusions: Despite the high-risk characteristics of the study subgroup, no significant differences between in-hospital and one-year outcomes were found in comparison to lower-risk RA patients. Complex PCI with RA in patients without other revascularisation options should be taken into consideration.

Background: Nowadays, when the majority of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention and modern pharmacotherapy, risk stratification becomes a challenge. Simple and easily accessible parameters that would help in a better determination of prognosis are needed. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of high mean corpuscular volume (MCV, defined as MCV > 92 fL) and to establish its prognostic value in non-anemic patients with AMI. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 248 consecutive non-anemic patients hospitalized due to AMI (median age: 65 [59–76] years, men: 63%, ST segment elevation myocardial infarction: 31%, and median left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]: 50%). Results: The prevalence of high MCV was 39 ± 6% (± 95% confidence interval) in the entire AMI population. High MCV was more prevalent in males, patients with low body mass index, non-diabetics and cigarette smokers (all p < 0.05). During the 180-day follow-up, there were 38 (15%) events, defined as another AMI or death. In a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model, female gender (p < 0.01), low LVEF (p < 0.001), previous AMI (p < 0.05), arterial hypertension (p < 0.05), and high MCV (p < 0.001) were prognosticators of pre-defined events. Conclusions: In non-anemic patients with AMI, high MCV is an independent prognostic factor of poor outcome defined as another AMI or death.

Establishing a balance between the risk of stent thrombosis and the risk of perioperative bleeding in patients treated with dual antiplatelet therapy remains a major therapeutic challenge. We report a case of 60-year-old man after stent implantation in left main coronary artery and requiring urgent operative treatment. The result of optical coherence tomography helped us to decide about further proceeding and is an example of a very helpful application of this new imaging technique in everyday practice.

Introduction Delay in diagnosis and treatment has a great influence on morbidity and mortality of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Every 30 min of delay in reperfusion is associated with an 8% increase in mortality. ECG teletransmission was proved to effectively shorten time delays in STEMI treatment. In 2012 an ECG teletransmission program was introduced in the Lower Silesia region. Aim To assess the frequency of ECG teletransmission in STEMI patients and its influence on time delays. Material and methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients admitted to our hospital with STEMI in 2013. Time delays, treatment and clinical characteristics of patients with and without teletransmission performed were compared. Results The study included 137 patients, of whom 49 (36%) had teletransmission performed. Direct transport to a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-capable hospital was more frequent in patients with ECG teletransmission performed (88% vs. 63%, p = 0.002). In patients with teletransmission pain-emergency room time and total ischemic time were shorter (respectively 125 (91–184) min vs. 201 (113–339) min, p = 0.001 and 159 (136–244) min vs. 259 (170–389) min, p < 0.001). There were no differences in in-hospital delay, patients’ characteristics, or applied therapy. Conclusions The percentage of STEMI patients who had ECG teletransmission performed was low. Patients with ECG teletransmission had a shorter total ischemic time and lower percentage of indirect transport to a PCI-capable hospital.

Introduction: Ischaemic stroke is the primary cause of long-term disability and the third most common cause of death. Internal carotid artery stenosis is an important risk factor for stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA). European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines allow carotid artery stenting (CAS) as an alternative to endarterectomy in centres with low rates of death or stroke. Aim: To assess the safety and efficacy of CAS in a single-centre observation. Material and methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients treated with CAS between March 2008 and July 2012. Clinical data and outcomes in both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients were analysed. Results: A total of 214 consecutive patients were included in the registry. Symptomatic patients accounted for 57% of the study group and were more likely to have a history of stroke and/or TIA that occurred more than 6 months before the procedure (50% vs. 8%, p < 0.001). Asymptomatic patients were more likely to have a history of coronary artery disease (88% vs. 61%, p < 0.001), and the rates of previous acute coronary syndrome and revascularisation were also higher in this group (58% vs. 41% and 71% vs. 52%, respectively, both p < 0.05). The symptomatic group had higher incidence of stroke in periprocedural and 30-day observation (4% vs. 0%, p < 0.05). There was no difference in incidence of adverse events in long-term observation. Conclusions: Carotid artery stenting is a safe and efficacious procedure. Every centre performing CAS should monitor the rate of periprocedural complications.

Background: To assess the influence of severe target lesion calcification (TLC) on the outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Aim: Contemporary data concerning coronary artery calcifications (CAC) are based on pooled analyses from randomised trials with short follow-up. We still lack the knowledge on how CAC in target lesions affect long-term prognosis of patients with AMI in everyday practice. Methods: We evaluated clinical and laboratory data of 206 consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography and PCI due to AMI. Primary endpoints were all-cause death and recurrent hospitalisations due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Results: Severe TLC lesions were present in 17% of patients. These patients were older (71 vs. 65 years, p = 0.02) and more often diagnosed with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (77% vs. 58%, p = 0.03). Patients with severe TLC had lower rates of PCI success (80% vs. 97%, p < 0.0001) and less often achieved full revascularisation during index procedure (14% vs. 41%, p = 0.003). During 30 months follow-up patients with severe TLC more often suffered from another ACS (37% vs. 13%, p = 0.0005) and had higher all-cause mortality (31% vs. 16%, p = 0.04). Multivariate Cox regression model showed severe TLC to be an independent predictor of another ACS (HR 2.8; 95% CI 1.4–5.6; p = 0.004). Conclusions: Severe TLC are not uncommon in patients with ACS. The presence of severe TLC is a prognostic factor of another ACS in AMI patients undergoing PCI.

Highly calcified lesions in coronary arteries are a frequent cause of percutaneous coronary intervention failure. In such cases rotational atherectomy seems to be an efficient alternative that allows facilitation of the calcified atherosclerotic plaque and ensures successful treatment. We present a case of rotational atherectomy of the right coronary artery complicated with stent dislodgment and ostial dissection.

Background: The data regarding follow-up of high-risk patients after coronary rotational atherectomy (RA) are poor. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the in-hospital and 6-month outcome of patients with uncrossable or undilatable lesions who were treated with RA. Material and methods: The RA was performed in 62 consecutive patients (mean EuroSCORE: 6.8 ±4) and all of them were enrolled. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were defined as all-cause death, cardiac death, stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), target lesion revascularization (TLR), and target vessel revascularization (TVR). Results: The procedural success rate was 94%. The incidence of MACE was 9.7% in hospital (6 MIs, 3 of them with signs of ischemia) and 9.7% at 6-month follow-up (2 deaths, 3 MIs, 1 TLR). Death occurred in 2 patients (3%): due to definite stent thrombosis, and because of acute heart failure in a patient with low ejection fraction (EF). Conclusions: In this very high risk population RA provides good outcomes with relatively low risk of MACE.

Until recently, balloon valvuloplasty (BAV) was considered as a necessary step during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). It was proven that BAV increases the risk of stroke and conduction disturbances requiring permanent pacemaker implantation. Omitting aortic valvuloplasty can increase the safety of percutaneous treatment of severe aortic stenosis.

Indications to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) expand to more and more complex lesions and that results in growing usage of rotational atherectomy (RA). Predictors of poor outcome including periprocedural and in-hospital complications after RA in the current era are still to be extensively

Rotablation (rotational atherectomy) is an acknowledged method of percutaneous treatment of highly calcified coronary artery lesions that cannot be treated with traditional angioplasty. The complexity of the technique and usage of very specific equipment can contribute to the development of uncommon complications. We present a case of percutaneous retrieval of a damaged rotational atherectomy burr in a 74-year-old male patient.